Flemish literature

In Belgium, Flemish literature in its written form was the same as Dutch and was stimulated by the declaration, following the revolution of 1830-39, that French was the only official language in Belgium (it remained so until 1898). Jan Frans Willems (1793-1846) brought out a magazine that revived medieval Flemish works. Modern writers in Flemish took their tone from the romantic poetry of Karel Lodewijk Ledeganck (1805-1847) and the historical and social novels of Hendrik Conscience. In Vlaemsche Dichtoefeningen/Flemish Exercises in Poetry (1858) Guido Gezelle moved away from Romanticism towards Impressionism. His nephew Stijn Streuwels, the most popular prose writer of his generation, wrote novels about the country life of Flanders. New literary perspectives were heralded in the journal Van Nu en Straks/Today and Tomorrow 1893-1903 conducted by August Vermeylen. In the earlier 20th century Cyriel Buysse (1859-1932) and Willem Elschott (1882-1960) were leading novelists. Contemporary writers include the popular novelist, dramatist, and poet Hugo Claus. See also Dutch literature.